In their recent study, Otto and colleagues suggested that the adverse effects of hyperglycaemia on immune function may be mediated by hyperosmotic stress [1]. In granulocytes both oxidative burst and phagocytosis were suppressed by hyperosmolar stress with mannitol, but no significant effect was observed on cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells [1]. The concentration of gluco...

The effects of angiotensin II were studied on blood sugar level in dogs. Intracerebroventricular administration of pressor dose of angiotensin caused a rise in blood sugar level. The hyperglycaemia and pressor response was not affected by bilateral vagotomy and was less marked in adrenalectomized dogs. The hyperglycaemic effect and pressor response was not observed in reserpinized and spinal va...

Diazoxide is a benzothiadiazine derivative, chemically closely related to thiazide diuretics but lacking diuretic activity. Fajans et al (1968) have recorded this agent's ability of supress insulin release from normal and abnormal islet cell tissue. This property was exploited in the treatment of our patient, a 16 week-old infant with severe, prolonged symtomatic hypoglycaemia. Unfortunate adve...